Reasons why garden jobs in January are important

Reasons why garden jobs in January are important 

January is a great time to get some gardening done! Not only is the weather much warmer and more comfortable, but it's also a great opportunity to get started on some important projects.

If you're looking to add some aesthetic beauty to your yard or garden, now's the time to start seeds and plant those veggies! But be prepared for some challenges. January can be brutally cold, which can make it difficult to work outside in the winter months.

So if you're planning on doing any serious work, make sure to protect your skin and eyes with proper safety gear (hats, gloves, etc.). And remember that plants need plenty of sunlight and water so plan accordingly.

Finally, watch out for frosty mornings and evenings – it's often easier to tackle small tasks when the sun is shining! So why not give January a try? It's a great time to take advantage of the sunshine and get some essential gardening done.

Dig over heavy soil when the weather allows, incorporating compost or manure to improve the texture of the soil. Leave it rough for now and don’t dig in any manure yet.

It might be tempting to dig over heavy soil when the weather permits, but it's often best to wait for a dry spell before tilling or digging. This allows the soil to release any built-up tension and prepare itself for planting.

It also helps to prevent compaction and erosion, which can damage the soil structure and reduce its ability to hold nutrients.

In addition, tilling or digging in manure can introduce harmful pathogens into the soil, so it's important to avoid this practice until the manure has had time to decompose naturally. Instead, use compost or other amendments that are high in organic matter to improve the texture of your soil.

These will help build up layers of humus and other beneficial soil components that support plant growth and health.

Turn the compost heap. 

That's right, folks! Turn the compost heap! It's a simple process that will add nutrients to your soil while decomposing unwanted organic material. All you have to do is mix some manure or other nutrient-rich source of waste with dirt and turn it under your plants regularly.

The benefits of turning the compost heap are many. First, it helps break down organic matter, which helps to fertilize the soil.

Second, it aerates the soil and improves drainage, which can help prevent root rot. Third, turning the compost heap will increase the diversity of bugs and microorganisms in your soil, which can help fight off disease and pests.

And finally, turning the compost heap will reduce odours and keep your garden clean and tidy! So get out there and turn that compost heap!

Find the places where snails are overwintering such as walls and leaf litter, and destroy them. 

Snails overwinter in a variety of places, including under leaves, in cracks and crevices, and in buildings. They are most commonly found in the winter months, but can be seen year-round.

It is important to eliminate any potential overwintering sites by cleaning up debris and removing potential food sources. It is also important to monitor your garden to prevent new populations from forming.

Cover soil with fleece or cloches to warm it up if you plan to sow early crops. 

Covering the soil with fleece or cloches will warm up the soil, making it more suitable for early crops. This is useful for sowing crops like radishes, lettuce, and peas, which need to be planted early in the spring season. It is also a good way to prepare the soil for planting later-season crops such as tomatoes and corn.

However, it is important to note that covering the soil with fleece or cloches can also cause problems if not done properly. For example, if you cover the soil with fleece or cloches too early in the season, it could lead to poor germination of your crops due to lack of sunlight.

You should also check the cloches or fleece regularly to make sure they are not becoming wet or mouldy, as this can lead to poor air circulation in the soil and may negatively impact your plants.

Overall, covering the soil with fleece or cloches is a useful tool for preparing early crops for planting season. It allows you to get started on your gardening schedule earlier and enjoy fresh produce sooner!

Watch out for storm damage to trees and shrubs. Remove any damaged branches and prune them with a clean cut. 

Don't let your trees and shrubs go neglected. If you see any signs of damage, such as broken branches or stunted growth, it's important to remove any damaged branches and prune them to promote good health and growth.

It's also a good idea to regularly trim the overall height of your plants to create a pleasing appearance and help manage their height. Take care not to damage the plant itself in the process, as this can cause long-term damage that may not be obvious at first.

In addition, if you notice any signs of infestation by insects or disease, it is important to take immediate action to prevent the spread of disease or infection.

This could include taking steps to manage the pest or disease, such as using insecticides or fungicides, or removing damaged branches or other plant material.

Plant deciduous hedges and bare rooted trees and shrubs.

Plant deciduous hedges and bare rooted trees and shrubs are commonly used to create borders, windbreaks, or shade structures in gardens. These types of plants shed their leaves during the season and are typically pruned or maintained to maintain a certain shape. Some examples of deciduous plants include fruit trees, roses, and shrubs. These types of plants require less maintenance than perennial plants and generally require little or no fertilizer.

Deciduous plants can be used to add interest and colour during the summer months. However, it is important to choose the right type of plant for your desired outcome.

Planting deciduous plants in an area that gets full sun may result in an uneven hedge or a lack of colour during the summer months.

On the other hand, planting deciduous plants in an area with partial shade can result in lanky shrubs that are difficult to manage.

It is also important to consider the climate where you will be using your plant as some types of plants may not survive winter temperatures or humidity levels. 

Plant roses if the soil is not too wet or cold. 

Start forcing rhubarb. 

Forcing rhubarb plants is a great way to grow extra-tart and flavorful rhubarb! This perennial plant produces large, heart-shaped leaves and large, red stems with purple or green hue.

It can be harvested in the early summer and is often used in jams, jellies, and jams.

However, forcing rhubarb plants takes a bit of work and patience. To start forcing rhubarb:

1. Select a spot with full sun and soil that drains well.

2. Plant the rhubarb seeds in the soil in late spring or early summer, spacing them about 1 inch apart each other.

3. Water regularly but do not give them too much water as they need to dry out between watering.

4. Continue to water regularly until the plants are ready to be harvested.

5. Once the plants are ready for harvest, cut them off at their base with a sharp knife or pruners and pick them when they are slightly green but still firm.

6. Store the rhubarb in a cool, dark place for up to one week before using it in recipes or cooking! 

Note: Forcing rhubarb plants is a great way to grow extra-tart and flavourful rhubarb!

This perennial plant produces large heart-shaped leaves and large red stems with purple or green hue that can be harvested in the early summer months for use in jams, jellies, and jams.

However, forcing rhubarb plants takes some effort and patience as you need to provide regular watering during this time while also allowing the plants to dry out between watering to prevent them from becoming too mushy. Once the plants are ready for harvest, you can simply cut them off at their base with a sharp knife.

Clean out the garden shed (well, it probably needs doing and now’s the best time. At least you’ll be out of the worst of the weather there).

The garden shed is never going to be a model of cleanliness, but it’s probably a little better than you might think. Let’s face it, you aren’t exactly known for keeping your sheds in tip-top condition.

Plus, there’s the fact that nobody really wants to spend their free time cleaning out old gardening equipment and junk. So why bother? Well, let's start with the obvious: if you don't clean it out now, you'll end up with a cluttered mess that's difficult to manage and potentially hazardous.

That said, if you take the time to clear out the cobwebs and dust, you could also find some forgotten treasures (like that old lawnmower that just needs a tune-up).

Ultimately, the decision is yours - but we recommend taking some time to declutter and organize your shed before the weather starts getting warmer (or fall comes around again). You'll probably be glad you did!

Conclusion

January is a great month to start gardening and tackle some of the more difficult outdoor tasks.

The warmer weather and longer days are perfect for starting seeds and planting vegetables, but you must be aware of the challenges that come with gardening in winter.

Be prepared for cold temperatures, frosty mornings, and shorter days. With the right preparation and planning, however, you can make the most out of January and get your garden ready for the coming spring! If you need help with your garden, don’t hesitate to call us for a free estimate.